Tuesday, April 30, 2013

This spring, Eddie Van Halen surprised fans when he revealed that he had collaborated with LL Cool J on two tracks on the veteran rapper's new album, “Authentic.”

In stores today, “Authentic” includes performances by Van Halen on "We're The Greatest" and "Not Leaving You Tonight." Both tracks can be heard below.

"The thought of me playing guitar to hip hop was definitely left of center, but I was intrigued and I agreed to meet and listen to what he had,” Eddie told Guitar World recently. “I was not only inspired by the songs I heard, but LL's enthusiasm, his down-to-earth personality, the freedom he gave me to co-create and his willingness to, for the very first time, sing the chorus on 'We're the Greatest.' It was like a breath of fresh air that I needed as an artist and an individual."

When asked why he choose to reach out to the iconic guitarist, LL Cool J explained, “This album was born out of my true love for music and I knew Eddie shared that same vision for authentic music. I approached this song with the upmost respect for Eddie and his fans, and became friends with him through the process. I was humbled to watch a genius at work and collaborate with such a legendary and visionary artist as Eddie Van Halen, and to bring our two worlds together, was an exciting opportunity. I am thrilled he was up for the ride.”

Eddie has made guest appearances on projects throughout his career, including records by Michael Jackson, Roger Waters, Steve Lukather, Dweezil Zappa, Thomas Dolby and Nicolette Larson.